We can all agree this winter has been long and gloomy, and the bills have been painful on our wallets. But at last, it is time to start toasting under the sun again. We think it is no coincidence that Spring arrives during Earth Month. It almost feels like the universe is allowing us to reconnect with nature. So how to better live in harmony with Mother Earth than with an eco-friendly picnic? You just need to round up your group of friends or family.
We will give you a few picnic tips to enjoy that bucolic scene surrounded by green that we all have in mind. First of all, two things need to be taken into account when planning your perfect picnic day: a desirable location and the basic supplies you will need to bring.
Since there is an abundant pool of picnic locations to choose from, the answer as to where you should go rests on your own and the likings of the people joining you. If you are the kind of person that values privacy and a breathtaking view, then a secluded spot in nature will be the way to go. A forest campground with an open spot to set your picnic or a wilderness trail in the mountains will do the trick. Although sadly, the latter is tricky to find here in the Netherlands. Or, you might be one of those lucky people living next to the coast, where a hidden beach coven will grant you that yearned solitude. Regardless of your desired spot, bringing suitable footwear and packing light will be essential to have enough energy to enjoy the rest of the day once you reach your destination.
Then again, being surrounded by other picnickers or a more accessible location to enjoy your picnic might be what you are looking for. An excellent way to meet like-minded people, by the way. Then parks and lakes will allow you to enjoy these without getting too far from urban life. On top of that, they are very easy to find just by looking at a city map. Once you have picked your location, it is time to look for a spot with access to water and shade to avoid overexposure to the sun.
This brings us to the next step in planning your day, the gear. The first item is the foundation to build a comfortable space, an eco-friendly picnic blanket. Preferably one that is waterproof, to easily clean afterwards. Another indispensable item is sunscreen. You really want to avoid sobbing in pain when turning on your bed at the end of the day. Great to complement your skin protector are our stylish and shielding bamboo sunglasses. In addition, wet wipes can be a convenient item to bring, as well as a pocket first aid kit in case of injuries. Lastly, a legitimate picnicker will always have Mother Nature in mind and bring a trash bag to leave the place the same way it was found, or even better, inspire others to do the same.
Of course, we must remember the one thing without which a picnic would not be a picnic, food! You might be tempted to bring some delicacy that took you hours to make, but let’s be honest, it will not be very practical. So instead, sandwiches, pizza or quiche, which you can keep sustainably fresh with beeswax, will be at the top of the list. However, you might want to enjoy a plate of pasta or a salad with our wonderful bamboo cutlery, and that is completely fine.
Here are some ideas so you don’t have to rack your brain. For the aperitivo, vegetables cut in slices with hummus to dip in will add protein to the meal. For the main course, a sandwich with jam and cheese or mozzarella, pesto and dried tomatoes will be easy to prepare. Another option could be a broccoli and Roquefort quiche or one with zucchini, eggplant, onion and grated cheese. And some delicious homemade cookies will surely have a good reception for the dessert. Or, if you want to go the healthy route, a fruit salad with pineapple, watermelon, and grapes can be very refreshing. Inviting all who join to chip in with their creations will certainly unravel into a funky feeding frenzy. However, if you do not like relishing your frenzy, you can always consider supporting local businesses.
There is no doubt that an eco-friendly picnic is the perfect occasion to spend quality time with your loved ones and renew your energies just by lying down and soaking in some vitamin D. But we can also make the most of our time and enjoy some outdoor activities. That will no doubt release some built-up tension and stress, lift your mood and guarantee a good night of sleep. You could bring a frisbee, football or slackline and a deck of cards or board games to play once you get tired. If you have decided to spend the day surrounded by nature, hiking and enjoying the scenery could also be fun. We recommend bringing a book to read when things get calm and a portable speaker to create a relaxed ambience and even meditate.
Regardless of what you decide to do in the end, remember to take the pressure off and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones in harmony with nature and away from the tentacles of consumerism. We encourage you to plan your eco-friendly picnics during this beautiful time of the year and share your experiences with us on Instagram and Facebook.